2016 is a year of many anniversaries in Poland. First of all, it is the 1050th anniversary of Poland’s baptism, but also such national anniversaries as the 360th anniversary of the Lwów Oath made by King Jan Kazimierz and the 60th anniversary of the Oath of the Polish Nation made at Jasna Góra.
2016 is also the Year of Mercy, in which Poland is the host of the World Youth Days. Pope Francis will celebrate his 80th birthday this year. To commemorate so many important anniversaries and events, the runners’ section of the GRYF Cultural and Sports Association in Kietrz (managed by Chairperson Andrzej Wójtowicz) decided to organize a relay race and pilgrimage from Kietrz to Rome.
ASA, which on a few occasions has already supported racing events organized in Kietrz (e.g. the Polish-Czech Kietrz - Rohov half marathon), has decided to support also the runners promoting an active and healthy lifestyle on a daily basis, and became the sponsor of the Kietrz - Rome Relay Race and Pilgrimage.
The event is scheduled for 3 - 11 July. The route leading through the Czech Republic, Austria and Italy has been designed in detail. It is a difficult enterprise, and therefore the participants have been preparing for such a considerable physical effort (they have to cover a distance of 1500 km) and verifying the logistic plans for months. 28 persons will participate in the relay race, mainly runners associated in KSKS Gryf; upon their return, they will give an account of their experiences connected with their stay in Rome and an audience with Pope Francis.
We hope that all requests written by the participants of the relay race and the sponsors and filed in Rome in a special Book of Requests and Prayers are granted.